About the Program

Byron Writers Festival members can to apply for free-of-charge mentoring through the Mentoring Scholarships Program. This opportunity is for early stage writers working on a manuscript, who are seeking an initial appraisal of their work from an industry professional.

There are four firsthand feedback sessions on offer, with one session reserved for an Indigenous writer (details of firsthand feedback sessions available below). Successful applicants are awarded the mentorships based on a small sample of their work.

Key Dates

Applications open Wednesday 29 September

Applications close Wednesday 20 October

Applicants notified Wednesday 3 November

How to Apply

Please submit the following as a single Word Document:

• A title page including genre, author biography & short description of your work;
• A 5-page excerpt of your writing (double-spaced, 12-point font).

Terms & Conditions are available here

What is Firsthand Feedback?

A valuable first step for writers who would like an initial appraisal of their manuscript and up-front advice regarding its development.

Is it for me?

Suitable for writers who are at the crossroads and who are seeking:

• face-to-face discussion and advice
• inspiration and direction
• to know whether they are on track with their writing goal
• to know whether their idea has publishing possibilities, and/or
• to know where to go from here and what to do next.

Format:

The 2-hour Firsthand Feedback session will be conducted by someone from our stable of professional mentors. Based on a small sample of your work (5000 words), the session will include the mentor’s reading and preparation time and AT LEAST one hour of face-to-face, telephone or skype consultation.